Illinois National Guard Soldier Becomes Naturalized U.S. Citizen During Ceremony

An Illinois Army National Guard Soldier was among 97 individuals from 36 countries to become naturalized U.S. citizens in a ceremony Sept. 15 at the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, Chicago.

Spc. Adiodun Abayomi Lucas, who was born in Nigeria, pursued citizenship through the military expedited naturalization process.

Lucas, who immigrated to the United States in 2011, said he came to the United States to start a new life.

"I came to the United States for better opportunities," he said.

Under the military expedited naturalization process, immigrants can apply for naturalization once they have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces for a total of one year.

Lucas enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 2024 as a 92F, Petroleum Supply Specialist, and is assigned to Company F, 634^th Brigade Support Battalion, based at Crestwood Armory in Robbins. He previously worked as an Information and Technology engineer but recently began a new job with the Illinois Department of Military Affairs as an environmental supply specialist at the North Riverside Armory in North Riverside.

Lucas, who attended a military High School in Nigeria, enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard to give back to his community.

"I had a lifelong dream of military service," he said. "I think it's a great privilege to serve in the military to give back to the community. The National Guard helped me become a citizen also."

"On behalf of the court, I extend a warm welcome to all our newest citizens," said Chief Judge Virgina M. Kendall. "Today's ceremony reminds us that many of those seeking citizenship have already demonstrated courageous commitment to our nation by enlisting and serving in our armed forces."

U.S. District Judge Georgia Alexakis administered the oath of citizenship during the ceremony.